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Educational Technology 554

EDSP 554: Educational Technology for Diverse Populations

Cross-Listed: EDSP 554

Credit Hours: (3)

Students will develop critical awareness of educational and assistive technologies that support students with disabilities, and other learners with diverse needs. The course begins with an overview of the latest research and evidence-based practice in educational technology applications for instruction. Participants will explore a wide range of these technology applications with a focus on assistive or adaptive technologies. The course focuses on the historical and legal mandates that guide the integration of assistive technologies into the educational programs of students with disabilities.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Exploration of these technologies emphasizes their use as effective instructional tools that enhance, improve and support success of students with disabilities within the educational setting.

Specific technologies and topics include:

Current technological trends shaping education

The legal aspects of providing AT devices and services with public school settings

Models for selection of AT devices and services

· Universal Design for Learning principles

Development and evaluation of scaffolds that address technology-supported instructional technologies

Identification of possible funding solutions for AT

Exploration of The AT spectrum – from no to high tech solutions

Exploration of AT categories such as technologies which address challenges arising from cognitive/learning needs, physical/sensory needs, communication/social needs, and multiple complex needs

Applications and integration of educational and assistive technologies in order to support and improve student success

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course utilizes a combination of web-based learning modules, lectures, and hands-on activities within a lab setting. This course stresses hands-on experience with a variety of assistive and adaptive tools and software.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Goals, objectives, and assignments in this class address:

NCATE Standard 1c Professional and Pedagogical Knowledge and Skills

Virginia Department of Education Teacher [VDOE] Licensure standards in Professional Studies requirements in Curriculum and Instructional Procedures for Prek-12, special education, and secondary education and Early/primary prek-3 education, elementary education, prek-6, and middle education: Demonstrated proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction.

The codes included below refer to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T); Performance Indicators for Teachers and the Virginia Department of Education Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIPS); Code for Council for Exceptional Children [CEC] Standards: CC = Common Core, GC = General Curriculum, and Professional Technology Standards (CTE).

Upon completion of this course the student will demonstrate understanding of/ability to apply knowledge related to:

Investigation of student characteristics, the collaborative role of educators, and strategies for differentiating instruction for students with learning disabilities within the general education environment

Facilitation of full participation and access to the general curriculum of individuals with disabilities by adaptations and assistive technology (CTE1K1)

2. Legal and Social Aspects of Assistive Technology

· Philosophy and history of assistive and adaptive technology

· Equity issues related to use of technology in the classroom & assistive technologies (CTE9K1)

· Ethical practices and cultural/familial considerations in applying these technologies(CTE9K1)

· Legal definition of AT devices and services (CTE9K1)

· Legal requirements for implementation of assistive technology assessment and services in the IEP (CTE1S3) (CTE9S2)

3. Selecting and Evaluating AT

Processes that can be used by AT team members to plan, analyze, select, and assess AT devices and services for a student (CTE10K2)